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Exercise Physiology


Course Description

Physiological effects of human physical activity. Neuromuscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, hormonal, and thermal responses and adaptations to exercise.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
1) All graduate student quizzes and tests are essay. Students will be given a list of course objectives every week and must answer two per quiz (instructor selects which ones to answer). 2) All graduate students must write a report on a research paper each week. The paper is approved by the instructor and is related to the topics covered in class that week. The paper consists of three parts: a paragraph on the contents and findings of the paper, a paragraph on how the paper is similar or different from what was presented in lecture, and a paragraph on the student's reflections on the paper: liked, learned, agreed with, etc.


Athena Title

Exercise Physiology


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in KINS 4630H


Undergraduate Prerequisite

CBIO 2200-2200L and CBIO 2210-2210L


Graduate Prerequisite

CBIO 2200-2200L and CBIO 2210-2210L


Undergraduate Corequisite

KINS 4630L/6630L


Graduate Corequisite

KINS 4630L/6630L


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall and spring


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

1. Describe important historical developments and pioneers in exercise physiology. 2. Discuss the mechanisms through which movement is controlled by the nervous system. 3. Contrast the neuromuscular adaptations to endurance and resistance exercise training. 4. Discuss the mechanisms through which energy is supplied for physical activity. 5. Discuss the role of hormones in controlling substrate utilization during exercise. 6. Describe the cardiovascular and respiratory responses to acute exercise and adaptations to training, including the underlying mechanisms. 7. Describe the control of body temperature during exercise. 8. Discuss methods for quantifying adaptations to training. 9. Discuss substances or nutritional practices that may affect physical performance. 10. Discuss the role of exercise in weight control.


Topical Outline

History of Exercise Physiology Neuromuscular anatomy and physiology Neurological control of movement Neuromuscular adaptations to endurance and resistance exercise Metabolism and basic energy systems Hormonal regulation of exercise Cardiovascular control during exercise Respiratory regulation during exercise Thermoregulation and exercise in different environments Quantifying training adaptations Ergogenic aids, nutrition, and performance Optimal body weight for performance


Syllabus